Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the recent abduction of students at Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Okene, Kogi State.
In a statement posted on his official Twitter handle, Obi expressed deep concern over the security situation in the country, particularly as it affects the education sector.
“The very disturbing reports of the terror attack on the University by armed bandits left many students reportedly abducted,” Obi stated. He lamented the harrowing experience faced by the abducted students, who were preparing for their exams before being taken captive. “This is not acceptable and must be condemned in very strong terms through stiff and purposeful action,” he emphasized.
Highlighting the broader implications of such attacks, Obi emphasized, “An attack on our students is an attack on education.” He underscored the already dire situation in the education sector, with millions of children out of school due to insecurity and low enrollment rates at tertiary levels. “We are now confronted with a situation where our students are being attacked, further aggravating the educational crisis in the nation,” he added.
Calling for urgent government intervention, Obi stressed the need to prioritize the security of lives and property. “Our national existence is seriously threatened by insecurity, and every sector of our nation is burdened by this ugly menace,” he warned. Urging decisive action, he implored the government and security agencies to do whatever is possible to rescue the abducted students and address the menace of insecurity.
In closing, Obi offered his prayers and support to the abducted students, their families, and the entire Confluence University community. “My prayers are with the abducted students, their families, and the CUSTEC family,” he said. “I pray we all come out of this incident stronger, together as a nation.”
